Let's start off the new year by creating some healthy new habits that will have huge payoffs!! By making these simple changes, you can vastly improve your health and happiness. Here are my top 6 healthy new year's resolutions:
1) Drink more water.
The benefits of staying well hydrated are abudant! Drinking a minimum of 64 oz of water per day leads to a more youthful complexion, more energy, better memory, less headaches, better bowel movements, weight loss and a faster metabolism. Be sure to drink your water either warm or at room-temperature for better digestion and add in a squeeze of lemon or lime and a pinch of himalayan salt for added minerals. The easiest and most effective way to drink more water is by getting a water bottle that tracks your hydration like this one.
2) Prioritize yourself.
Schedule your "me time" and make it a priority on your to-do list. Get regular acupuncture, book a massage, get a facial, go for a pedicure, meditate, stretch, play music, or watch a funny movie. Remember: self-care isn't selfish, it's necessary.
My favorite way to unwind and pamper myself each day is with a relaxing bedtime skincare routine. I massage organic tamanu oil on my skin before bed and add in a little facial cupping, facial gua sha, and jade roller massage.
3) Make exercise as important as brushing your teeth.
Exercise plays a huge role in my daily life because it is the reason I no longer suffer with back pain, anxiety, or fatigue. So many health conditions are caused by poor circulation due to sedentary lifestyles or prolonged sitting. If you have a desk job, it is especially important for you to exercise and get your blood moving.
Strength training is the best form of exercise because it allows your body to burn fat even long after you're done, plus it can increase bone density to prevent osteoporosis. Weight training helps you to look and feel stronger, gain confidence, and most importantly, feel less anxious, depressed, and/or stressed. Hire a personal trainer, join a gym or workout at home. Carve out at least 20 minutes per day to get some form of exercise in.
4) Get rid of clutter.
Clutter creates chaos, stress and anxiety. When making purchases, it is important to think deeply about whether we truly need or love these items or if they are just a waste of space. My favorite place to start clearing out the clutter, is my closet.
5) Make lists.
One simple strategy for coping with anxiety and worry is by making lists. If you are feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to do, simply write it down. I find this tip especially helpful for patients that have "busy brain" and can shut down their mind at bedtime. Dumping your thoughts and ideas on to paper gets them out of your mind and allows you to sleep knowing that you can back to them the next day, week or month.
6) Spend less time around electronics and more time living.
Make it a goal each day to take some time to unplug yourself from the constant chaos of your cell phone, TV, laptop, or tablet. Spend more quality time with your family or friends, read a book, play a board game, go to the beach, or go for a nature walk.